Cellar window construction



1945- c. B. WEEDON 2,381,147

CELLAR WINDOW CONSTRUCTION Filed Sept. 8, 1942 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 0.. meeion Aug. 7, 1945. QB. WEEDON 2,331,147

CELLAR WINDOW CONSTRUCTION Filed Sept. 8, 1942 '5 Sheets-Sheet 2 .CZBlHZvn Aug. 7, 1945. c. B. WEEDON 2,381,147

CELLAR WINDOW CONSTRUCTION Filed Sept. 8, 1942 s Sheets-Sheet 5 Patented Aug. 7, 1945 2,381,147 omen wmpow oons'mnc'rion Charles B. vveeaon, Detroit, Application September 8,1942, Serial No. 457,660

(c1. ice-91) 9 Claims.

This invention relates Jo improvements'in cellar window constructions Windows oi this type are located in basements and the like, and are generally of small dimensions, being located. in the ground floor oi the house and maybe the cellar area: as a result, I

the available dimensions above the external ground surface may be small, and in some cases a special areaway may be provided in order that the window may open on to outside oithe house. Such windows are des ed more particularly for ventilation, although they permit oi the entrance oi small amounts of light. Because of the low location the openings are generally screened in order to prevent the entrance of mice or the like through the opened window.

.0! late years windows of this type have generally been of the metallictype. since the casement and the window can be readily iashloned, and provide for long-life service. Such metallic window structures are generally arranged to permit being swung inwardly-with the'axis generally atthe bottom oi the window; suitable latching means are provided at the top capable of being readily disengaged with a suitable operator by means of which the'window can be released and swung inward-with the movement limited bya suitable foldable stay-or can be readily swing to the closed and latched positions; the operator maybe a lengthy link. carried permanently by the latch structure, thus compensating for the position of the-window relative to the portance, depending on the inward or outward opening of the-storm'sash ii the latter opens inward,'the mesh-must be located outside, and ii opening outward, the mesh must be located in- 1 ternal, since the movement of the sash must not be impeded by the meshed structure.

' It is in presence of problems of this type that thepresent invention has been developed. Since the metallic'window structures are oi standard sizes, it can be understood that the storm window sash can also be made otlstandard size; butthe:

complications'set up by the direction of opening of the storm sash tend to set up the need for separate storm window structures to meet the two conditions, thus entailing the need for separate easements and sash to make it possible to meet the particular installation'conditions. To meet this situation, the present invention has been developed in' a form such that the same storm sash and casement can be utilized under either condi: tion, it being n only to add certain hinges if the sash is to swing outward-otherwise, the

casement and sash are standard, as is'the meshed screen. As a result, the parts can be initially assembled to meet. either of the conditions be encountered at the flmeoi installation.

In addition, the storm window assemblage is of simple and inexpensive construction, readil insta11ed, and eflicient in operation.

To these and other ends, therefore, the nature of which will be readily understood as the inveninterior of the room, the window being generally located at an elevated point.

In localities which face severe wintry conditions, it has been found desirable to employ a storm window structure as an aid to meeting the severe conditions; this is especially desirable where the window is of the metallic type. While the addition of a storm window under these conditions has been contemplated, there are a number of problems involved and which must be met.

For instance, the storm window should-also-per; I mit of being opened for ventilation; the particu-' lar location oi the window may be a determining factor as to the manner in which the storm window is mounted-whether it is to be. swung inwardor outward when being opened. Again, if

swung inwardly, it must be capable of being manipulated without material diiiiculty; if swung cutward- -the location of the window close to the ground surface would permit ready opening from the outside-it should swing in such way as not to line Ho! Figure 2. v a Figure 4 is a detail sectional view taken on line open up the window to rain or snow-flunies, etc.

Again, the location of the mesh will be of imtion ishereinaiter disclosed, said invention consists in the improvedconstruction and combination of parts, hereinafter more particularly described, illustrated in the accompa y n drawings', and moreparticularlypointed out in the appended claims.

In the accompanying dra' lar referencecharacters indicate similar parts in each of the views,

Figure 1 is an external View of a cellar window oi the type described, the meshed screen be 7 located on the outer side.

Figure 2- is a vertical sectional view taken on.

line 22 of Figure 1, the parts beingshown in closed position in full lines, in dotted lines. 4

Figure 3 is a vertical sectional view taken on 4-4 of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is aview similar to l 'lgur'e 2, but having the storm window arranged to be swung outward, the being shown in closed position in full lines, and in open position dotted lines m which sum-- and in open; position flange c' which lies outside or the casement.

while the remaining sides are adapted to lie against the inner face or casement iianges, the arrangement permitting the window to swing inward,as'shownindottedlinesinl 'igures2and 5; alatching element D having a lengthy operstar it enables the window to be latched inits closed positionor released to swing pivotally, a

suitable collapsible brace E serving'to limit the swinging movement.

While thenormal window is shown as ofstandard metallic structure, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to service with such particular arrangement but is usable with any preferred form of window structure as long as the movement of the window is on a horizontal axis located at the bottom of the window so as to provide the generally open relationships shown in Figures 2 and 5.

' s As is apparent the easement and located at the inner portion or the wall opening-B; the latter may be located above 'thelevel window.

, opposite the swinging of the window 0; wherethestormwindowistoswingoutward', the swingdividual preterenoes oi the user-the decision astoinwardoroutwardopeningoi'thsstorm This condition is complicatedin two respects. Oneoitheseisthei'actthatiithewindow opens inwardly, the swinging should be on a lower horizontal axis-conformingtothe swingin: o! the normal window C, since it would not bepossibletoswingthestormwindowiroma'n upper horizontal axis and thus in'a direction ingmust be on an upper horizontal axis sothat .inits opened podtion, it will protect against rain, etc.itswung on a lower horizontal axis.

the inclination would be such-as to produce the eifect of a catch basin. Hence, the direction of swinsins will determine whether or not the binsins action is to be taken from the bottom or the top oi the storm window.

A second consideration isthe fact that be- -cause'the window is close to the surface of the ground, there is need for protection against the entranceot rodents such as rats and mice through-opened windows. Hence, it is the practice to screen the opening protected by the storm window. Obviously, the location'oi' the screen must depend upon the direction in which the swinging storm sash will open--ifthe sash opens inwardly, the screen should be on the outside of the sash casement, but it the sash swingsoutward, thescreenmust be located on of the external ground surface, or may be de-- Dressed with respect to such surface-in which cases suitable depression is made outside of the opening to aiiord access t0-the opening. Advant seistaken otthethicknessotthewalliorthe addition .of the storm window assembly within a the wall opening B but outside of the normal window and casement. For this purpose, the

i'ormed=with.astep h-providedas an aid in tending to the outer limits or the opening. suitable lining element-shown as of angular iormation b' extends across the top oi opening B, and may also extend down the 'sides'ot theopening; this tsgenerally used withthe metallic,

casement A and, for thepurpose of tl:| e -'preseni';-

lower wall or silloftheopen'ingis-shownas positioning thercasement A-twith the step es the inner side of the sash casement; in other words, the location oiv the screen must be on the side opposite the direction of swing of the storm window.

From this can be gathered some of the problems confronting the workman when called upon to provide an installation-qenerally under conditions where the normal cellar window is in position, and the storm window is .to be added. -And it is tomeet this condition that the present invention has been developed. While the pre'-. vailing practice is to provide the metallic form of normal cellar window. and'that these are senerall'y of standard sizes, diilerent sizes may be utilized, but being standard, it would be postance suiiicient to includ the area occupied bythe storm window assembly.

As pointed out above. one of the peculiar con-'- ditions found in meeting the conditions ounstalling storm windows to cellar windows of this type, is the varied preferences of 'the customers in the matter of the direction of opening of the storm window; in some instances, a particular direction is mandatory, but where either can be used the individual preferences vary, .somepreten-ing that the window open inwardly, and others that ittopen outwardh; in the former case, theopening is from the inside of-the house while, with the latter case, it is necessary topassoutsideof thehouseinordertoopenthe window. While the need-tor opening appears more troublesome'under general conditions, it is apparent that where the cellar invention, extends forward and outward a dissible' to-predetermine the dimensions of the casement and storm window, and to provide these 'in corresponding sizes, a with the screen structures properly dimensioned. But these facts still leave the problems above indicated relative to installation-Fthe direction of swing'oi the storm sash which generally is determined at the time of-installatiom- Normally, these prob-' -lems would" require the workman" toztake with him a casement and window-for each direction of. swinging, and make his choice on'the ground, it'being assumed that the dimensions are knowninadvance, 4

The present invention is designed to avoid this "latter condition-and to make possible the'use or a single casementand single storm window regardlessoi which direction the window is to The-only material carried by the work- -man which may not be used, are the latch for the I inward-swinging window and the hinges used windowis located high or near the ceiling level oftheceliar,inwardopeningotthestormwin down could be more troublesome-than the need for external opening. leaving the latter prei'erable. Hence, one-oh the problems or the installation of a storm window'assembly is brought about by as well as the'in-'..

with the outwardly swinging window, the selec-- tion being made at the point of installation; the

easement and stormwindow aroused regardlessv of which opening direction or the window-is employed. The result is obtained by a: particular i'ormation'employed in the easement and storm window cooperating faces.

To provide the closure effect, theseopposing faces are made more or less sinuous by the use of a simple rabbet formation-two surfaces extending on approximately parallel planes and joined by a face substantially perpendicular to the planes-each of the meeting edges of the two elements having this characteristic. However, for the purpose of the present invention the two parallel surfaces differ as to width, the variation being as desired, the drawings indicating an approximate two-to-one variation; In addition, the relative arrangement carries another particular characteristicone of the edges has the variation reversed with respect to the remaining edges.

For instance, the casement for the storm window; which fits within opening B, is of rectangular contour and formed with side and top and bottom rails f, f and f2, respectively. As shown in Figures 2 and 4, these rails have their inner edges shaped to provide a rabbeting element, with the longer width on the inner side of the casement so far as the side rails f and. the top rail f, are concerned; the bottom rail f2, however, has the longer width of the rabbeting element located on the outerside; in other words, the top rail and side rails have similar edge cross-sections, while the bottom rail edge cross-section is exactly reversed in this respect.

The storm window G, dimensioned to fit within the easement, is formed with side rails g, top rail g, and bottom rail g2, and is provided with one or more window panes g3, The outer edge faces of the rails of window G are formed with rabbeting configurations complemental to those of the casement, thus providing the greater width plane as located on the inner side of the window with respect to the sides 9 and top 9', but located on the outer side with respect to the bottom rail 92. As indicated in Figure 2. this places the greater width plane of the sash as of the male characteristic with respect to similar planes of the easement, but with the distinction that this characteristic is present on the inner side of the window and casement with respect to the sides and top, but on the outer side with respect to the bottom. This distinction provides the particular configuration effect of the window as shown in the bottom zone of Figure 6, the outer face of the bottom rail 92 omitting the cut-away portions of the remaining rails, this cut-away portion being shown as on the inner face of the lower edge of the bottom rail g2; the casement is of complemental arrangement.

This description of the window and casement is based on the showing of the Figure 2 position of the storm window, in which the top and bottom rails are shown as having this relationship. As will be seen, this arrangement permits the window to be swung inward-as shown by dotted lines in Figure 2, with the swinging movement on a horizontal axis located at the bottom of the rail 92 and permitted by the particular form of the rabbet configuration which permits such swinging action; the swinging is not that of a true hinge, as is apparent, but is similarly effective. When the casement and window are to be installed with this direction of swing, a suitable latch H is secured to the inner face of the top rail of the casement and which has its movable member h adapted to be swung down over the inner face of the upper rail of the window as shown in full lines in Figure 2 to retain the window in closed position. When the normal latter can be moved inward by grasping the handle J carried by the upper rail 9' to swing the window to the open position shown by dotted linesin Figure 2; manipulator d may be used for the various operations. Since the latch H is not needed if the window opens outward, as presently explained, this, together with the hinges presently referred to are taken to the point of installation for use if needed.

As indicated in Figure 2, the casement F has its outer side provided with the frame is of a protesting screen K, the mesh portion is of which overlies the opening of the casement F, and serves to prevent the entrance of rodents such as rats or mice when window G is opened.

As shown, casement F contacts the walls of the window opening-or the lining thereof---afterv which grout M is applied around the outer edges, thus preventing passage of air exterior of the casing; hence, all possibilities of leakage of air through the closed assemblage must take place through opposing faces of the window G and casement F. And since the relative configurations of these faces set forth a sinuous path at all points-due to the rabbeting formationsthe arrangement sets up an efiicient sealing characteristic.

This latter result is due to several conditions, and brought about by the specific formations of the rabbeting formations. As is apparent when the window is swung on an axis located at its inner bottom edge, the upper edge swings in arcs; if the rabbeting conformation conform to such arcs, it would be possibleto provide a fixed axis and a close fitting upper edge--a structure which would be expensive to produce. Obviously,

the simpler and less expensive joint arrangement is with plane surfaces rather than curvatures, a condition which sets up the need'for providing dimensions of the opposing faces such that the top of the window can be swung out of itsclosed position-dimensions such as will require the presence of a space between opposing faces of the rabbeting formation of the edge being swungthe top edge in Figure 2; the bottom edge does not require such space, since the win.- dow edge face moves away from (instead of across) the opposing casement face. apparent that as the width of a planar face increases it is necessary to increase the width of in order to retain the width of the space that is open to the exterior as small as practicable, the

width of this planar face of the outer zone of the window is made small-shown as about onethird of the width of the window; with this planar face as the bottom plane of the upper rabbet, the vertical face which connects the two planar faces of the rabbet, extends upwardly from this outer plane face; as a result, it is apparent that while a space opening to the exterior is present, the vertical facewhich closely fits the opposing face of the casement-presents a definite barrier against the passage of air, and since this face extends vertically upward from the lower plane, any moisture which might enter a wider space to permit the swing, such wider- Since it is' space is immaterial since it lies inside of the ver- 7 tical face which forms the.barrier.

at the top in Figure 2 thus placing the two sides and the top (in Figure 2') as of similar rabbeting configuration; in Figure 6 the top referred to becomes the bottom, so that in the latter arrangement the two sides and the bottom have this similar configuration.

However, the bottom joint (Fig. 2) is adirect reversal to that of the top; the narrow width planar face is on the inner side of the window (it is on the outer side at the top) with the wider plane face as extending to the outer face of the window. In the reversal, the narrow width plane remains as the bottom of the female portion of the rabbet configuration of the window; as a result of this the vertical dimensions of the inner and outer faces of the window are similarin contrast to these dimensions considered horizontally of the window and in which the distance between the two narrow plane faces at the opposite side edges of the window is materially less than the distance between the wider planar faces. As is apparent, in Fig. 2, the opposing edge face of window and casement, at the bottom, are in contact when the window is closed, since there is no physical fixed connection between window and casement-in this particular arrangement so that the window support is then provided by these opposing edges; this contact is not detrimental onthis edge since the swinging movement is in a direction to move the window edge away from the casement edge when swinging the window to open position.

One of the advantages in this connection, so far as Figure 2 is concerned, is the fact that the absence of a fixed connection enables the walls of the narrow width recess to move over the opposing faces of the male portion of the casement rabbet configuration, tending to set up a variable pivotal action with a'consequent change in the arc of swing of the window top, a condition such as can tend to reduce the width of the space at the top; this can be understood from the showing of the dotted line position of Figure 2.

As pointed out above, the storm window assembly is designed in such manner as to permit the same construction to be employed regardless of which direction of swing is desired, thus making it possible to withhold selection of direction of swing until the time of installation. A comparison of Figure 5 with Figure 2 indicates the conditions'which permit such selection of direction. To secure the arrangement of Figure 5 the casement and window are positioned in the wall opening in reversed position as compared with Figure 2the top of the assembly of Figure 2 becomes the bottom of the assembly of Figure 5,

As will be understood, this reversal does not aflect the rabbeting configuration nor materially change the efllciency of the apparatus. While the space conditions are now set up at the bottom instead of the top, with the wider space now located on the outer exposed side, the vertical face of the rabbet still provides the barrier effect, and the greater width of the plane face that is present tends to aid in this respect. The same barrier effect against the passage of moisture is present as in the Figure 2 position-the vertical wall leads upward from the plane of the space open to the outside-brought about by the particular arrangement of the rabbet formation at the bottom in Figure 2, which, in effect, duplicates that shown at the top, but in reverse. Hence, the same conditions will be present at top and bottom regardless of which position is the basis of installation, with the exception of the location of the outer space, and the fact that in Figure 5 the window is supported at the top instead of at the bottom as in Figure 2. It would be possible, of course, to arrange the hinging so as to provide the spacing at the top as in Figure 2 when installing in the Figure 5 position, but in such case it would be necessary to bevel the lower edges of the window to permit freedom of swing; the latter is avoided when the hinge mounting is as in Figure 5.

As will be understood, the ability to use the storm window assembly elements for swinging of the window in either an inward or outward direction, is of definite advantage. There is no need for carrying assemblies individual to the direction of swing, so that a single standard form can be utilized. There is no need for selection of the direction of swing until the time for installationthe same elements are used for either direction of swing, these being carried to the point of installation, it being necessary only to carry all of the appurtenant elements which may be required the ones actually needed after the selection of direction has been made, those not being used being returned to stock. As a result the supply stock of the dealer for completing the installation is of minimum requirement, an advantageous status under present-day conditions; standard sizes may be provided to meet varied dimensions of cellar window structures, but inasmuch as the latter are generally standardized, no real diificulty is present-a single stock assembly of a particular size will provide for all installations of such size regardless of direction of swing.

Due to the presence of the intermediate face perpendicular to the planar faces of the rabbet configuration, the assembly provides for efficient protection against wintry blasts, and yet permits anyfbreathing'f to and from the space between the normal and the storm window; hence undue pressure conditions within the space will be due to the fact that these perpendicular faces at and thehinges N placed in position at the top the top and bottomregardless of direction of swing-extend upwardly from the planar face which extends from the outer side of the assembly, ensures that moisture, etc., which may enter through the outer space, does not reach the interior. Hence, the assembly provides for highly efiicient service without the need of costly insulation or other sealing means, thus retaining the installation cost at a minimum, doing this without sacrifice of the ability to manipulate the formation in service in simple manner andefllciently.

While I have disclosed one general form in which the invention may be provided, it will be readily understood that changes or modifications therein may be required or found desirable in meeting the varied installation conditions and customer desires, and I desire to be understood as reserving the right to make any and all such changes or modifications as may be found essential or desirable, insofar as the same may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the accompanying claims, when broadly construed.

I claim:

1. In cellar window assemblages, the combination with a normal cellar window and its casement, wherein the window and its casement are mounted in a wall opening for swinging movement into the cellar between closed and open positions with the general axis of swinging movement extending horizontally within a horizontal edge zone of the window'opening, of a storm window assembly mounted within the wall opening external of the normal cellar window and casement, said storm window assembly including a casement independent of the normal window casement, and a sash structure mounted within the storm window casement, the storm sash having its peripheral edges formed with a crosssectional contour presenting a pair of substantially parallel plane faces joined by a face perpendicular thereto with the parallel faces differing in width dimension and combinedly presenting the edge width of the storm sash, the

edges of the storm window casement being substantially complemental to the edges of the storm sash, the joint therebetween being of a rabbet configuration, the storm sash being swingable between closed and open positions about a/horizontal axis located in one of the edge zones of the storm casement, the storm sash being selectively mountable for swinging either inwardly or outwardly relative to its casement and for swingin in the selected direction when installed for service, releasable means being provided for retaining the window in its closed position.

2. An assemblage as in claim 1 wherein the swing axis of the storm window is selectively located in the bottom zone of the wall opening when the window is to be swung inward and in the upper zone of such opening when the window swing is outward.

3. An assemblage as in claim 1 wherein the storm window casement carries a screen overlying the window opening, said screen being located on the side of the casement opposite that on which the window is pivoted for swinging.

4. An assemblage as in claim 1 wherein the opposing perpendicular faces of three of the four Joints limit the travel of the storm window in one direction to closed position and extend in a common zone, the perpendicular faces of the iointof the fourth edge extending on a plane parallel to said common plane, the opposite side faces of such window in one tical dimensions of equal len th.

5. An assemblage as in claim 1 wherein the opposing perpendicular faces of three of the four joints limit the travel of the storm window in one direction to closed position and extend in a common plane, the perpendicular faces of the joint of the fourth edge extending on a plane parallel to said common plane, the opposite side faces of such window in one direction having vertical dimensions of equal length, the parallel face at the inner side of the perpendicular face of the three edges of the window being of less width than the parallel face at the outer side of such perpendicular faces.

6. An assemblage as in claim 1 wherein the opposing perpendicular faces of three of the four joints limit the travel of the storm window in one direction to closed position and extend in a common plane, the perpendicular faces of the joint of the fourth edge extending on a plane parallel to said common plane, the opposite side faces of the window in one direction having vertical dimensions of equal length and horizontal dimensions differing in length.

7. An assemblage as in claim 1 wherein the storm window is hingedly connected at its top to its casement to provide the axis of swing when the window installation is for outward swinging, the hingeless rabbet configurations at the bottom of the window presenting the axis of swing when the installation the window.

8. An assemblage as in claim 1 wherein the rabbet configurations at the top and bottom of the window present the parallel face relative widths as similar in both configurations, the narrower width of one configuration leading from one face side of the window and the similar width face of the other configuration leading from the opposite face of the window, whereby a reversal of the window and casement to move the configuration of one of such window edges to the position of the other will maintain the same conis for inward swinging of figuration contours at the top and bottom of the direction having verwindow-regardless of the swing.

' 9. An assemblage as in claim 1 wherein the rabbet configurations at the top and bottom of the window present the parallel face relative width as similar in both configurations, the narrower width of one configuration leading from one face side of the window and the similar width face of the other configuration leading from the opposite'face of the window, whereby a reversal of the window and casement to move the configuration of one of suchv window edges to the position of the other will maintain the same configuration contours at the top and bottom of the window regardless of the direction of window swing, the rabbet configuration of the vertical side edges having the narrower planar face of a configuration shifted from one side face to the other of the window when the window and casement are thus relatively reversed.

direction of window CHARLES B. WEEDON. 

